More and more, I’ve been focusing on settling into my new loft, which means making tough design decisions. This lamp instead of that one, this rug instead of that one… even picking out dining room chairs, something I’ve never done before! When Dot & Bo asked me to make my dream room picks to help spread the word about their Dream Room giveaway, I could hardly contain myself. The list is a long one, definitely, but it’s all stuff that would perfectly fit into my new loft:

1. Ways to Hang Coat Rack – I’ve never seen this in all black before and love it. It would be so sexy on the exposed brick in my loft.
2. Ikebana Plant Holder – a great addition to my indoor garden.
3. Mushroom Table Lamp – this mod lamp has always been on my wish list.
4. Spiers Sofa – I think I want a sofa that makes a statement and this mustard color is exactly what I’ve got in mind.
5. Amethyst – I just love having natural elements in my home.
6. Thebes Dhurrie Pillow – this pillow is juuust crazy enough for me and I love the dhurrie construction.
7. Condiment Bowls – these guys would be really cute in the center of my dining room table.
8. Reclaimed Crusoe Arm Chair – this chair feels a bit modern, a bit rustic and I love the balance of the two. If there was any one thing at the tippy top of my wish list, it’s a set of these chairs!
9. Forest for the Trees Foot Stool – again, another natural element to warm up the space while also providing extra seating as needed!

Plus, a bit more about the giveaway: between now and May 22, create a pinboard called “Dot & Bo Dream Room.” Pin 5-15 pieces from Dot & Bo onto the board and then go here to repin to your dream room board. From there, they will narrow it down to 20 boards and turn each into arranged collages on the Dot & Bo Pinterest page. The collection with the most likes after 3 weeks wins a $4,000 shopping spree! Plus, 10 runners up will receive $100 shopping sprees. Go go go, time to pin away!

This post is a partnership with Dot & Bo. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting content that keeps Jojotastic going.

It’s about time: The New Bohemians, my most anticipated book of 2015, is here and I’ve got loads to share with you about it (and details about a giveaway).

First of all, HOLY EYE CANDY. Justina and photographer Dabito really hit it out of the park with this one. This is one of those design books where you discover something new every time you open it. And it’s not just going to sit on my coffee table and collect dust — no, I feel like I’ll be referring to The New Bohemians for years to come for inspiration, both personally and professionally. The design of the book is gorgeous, too, with painterly end pages and a striking design on the spine of the book. You can definitely display this book with pride.

Second, Justina has made it incredibly easy for readers to pull inspiration from the book and translate it into their own home. As I settle more and more into my new loft, I am constantly referring to the book for inspiration, especially the Modern Bohemians section. I think of all the chapters in the book, this is the one that speaks to me the most.

And there are so many ideas to steal for my own home. Some of my favorites…

The simplicity of all-white bedding + sun bleached global patterns… or maybe all white bedding popped with intricately appliquéd fabric sourced from travels abroad.

There are also loads of ideas when it comes to living in a small space or loft-type space, like I do. See that pieced together milk crate bookshelf? I’m thinking of stealing that idea for sure.

To say I’ve been pouring over this book would be an understatement.

Third… a giveaway! Justina was kind enough to offer one copy of her amazing book to a very lucky Jojotastic reader! It’s easy to enter: follow both Justina Blakeney and Jojotastic on Instagram. Then leave a comment here saying you did so (please note: comments left elsewhere won’t count, so please be sure to leave your comment below!). One winner will be chosen at random by Tuesday May 5 at 10:30 am PST. Open to US residents only. Winner will receive 1 book, valued at $27. Good luck!

Noodle is definitely pulling for you to win.

book photography by Dabito, photography of me by Meghan Klein

p.s. be sure to catch more of the virtual book tour!

Linen bedding is seriously one of the best investments I’ve ever made in terms of self-care. I’m not a great sleeper, so any help I can get in that area is essential. I feel like there’s a misconception that linen is difficult to maintain, when actually it just gets better and better with age. True, new linen is a bit stiff and can be course, but with washing and wearing, over time it loosens and does that perfectly-slouchy kinda thing.

I am also a really warm sleeper, but linen helps with it’s natural cooling and breathable properties. Honestly, the texture of linen sheets and bedding cannot be beat — I really love it.

Plus, I kinda feel like rumpled sheets are sexy, don’t you think??

Unfortunately, the sheet set I picked up on Gilt Home is totally sold out, but here are some great alternatives in a variety of price ranges:

• Moo Shop on Etsy — tons of beautiful crocheted trims and handsome buttons.
• Belgian linen duvet + shams from West Elm — this set is a really great price and comes in lots of fun colors.
• linen blend duvet set from Parachute Home
• linen duvet set from H&M — another suuuper affordable option.
• I actually own this duvet set from Ikea and it’s great. Plus I love the trim details.
• Target got in on the linen action with this duvet set — the coral color is pretty fun (it’s on sale, too!).
• If you want to go all out, look no further than Restoration Hardware. This is the stuff of which textile designers like me dream.

Recently, I popped down to LA for a quick little shoot with Ford (more to come — sneak peek here!). While there, I had the opportunity to stay in oh-so-hip The Line Hotel. Honestly speaking, I’ve never been quite so comfortable in a hotel as I was there. I had a day off between shoot days and it was g-l-o-r-i-o-u-s. The creative juices were flowing and I just felt awesome. Here are some snaps from that day.

Having a space totally to myself with no requirements… I can’t remember the last time I’ve had that.

Speaking of thankful…

photography by Jojotastic, a mix of DSLR & instagram

Not sure about the rest of the country, but in Seattle, spring has definitely sprung and I am all about it. The city is drop dead gorgeous right now, in fact. I suspect after living in California with it’s drought, I am extra-excitable when it comes to greenery. For real, everything is so so so green. I’ve been here a month and it still catches me off guard. Add onto that the crisp smell of sea water, plus a few of mountains… and I’ve got some legit spring fever. The air smells great, the birds are happy, restaurants are finally unpacking their outdoor tables… What more could you need??